About The Venue

Taylorsville Lake State Park is located in Mt Eden, KY, less than 50 miles southeast of Louisville--home of the Kentucky Derby, "the most famous 2-minutes in sports." The meandering 24-mile trail system at Taylorsville Lake State Park is managed as multi-use trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders and encompasses some of the most beautiful horse riding country around. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, orienteering and bird watching.

If you prefer to come early or stay after the event, the campground at Taylorsville Lake State Park offers 42 full-service campsites for RV's, and horse lovers can sleep under the stars with their equine pals at one of 10 campsites set up specifically for horse camping. Horse tie-outs accommodate up to four horses per site. All sites include electric and water; a dump station is available. Sites can be reserved by calling the park at 502-477-0086 or by clicking here.

To learn more about this beautiful park visit https://parks.ky.gov/parks/recreationparks/taylorsville-lake/

A current negative Coggins is required for all equine brought into the park. Those from out of state also require a health certificate issued within the last 30 days. These documents will be required to be shown when you check in for the event.

Event Details

There will be two ETS events running concurrently. Competitors who participate in both events will complete the In-Hand Challenge before moving to the Trail Challenge. We will work with you to make sure you have time to do both. You will need to register separately for each event.

• The In-Hand Challenge will consist of 8 obstacles that will be set up in an open, grassy field. The In-Hand course is a great way to start the day!

• The Trail Challenge is a 5-mile mounted event that will wind through the park. Riders will encounter at least 8 obstacles along the course. Companion riders are welcome to ride along at a discounted entry fee but are not permitted on the obstacles. 

The obstacles are suitable for all equine--minis to drafts, donkeys to mules; as well as all competitors--youth to seniors, beginners to advanced.

Riders age 17 or under are required to wear a properly fitted SEI/ASTM approved riding helmet at all ETS events.

If you are not currently an ETS member, there is a $10 Day Pass fee, or $35 Annual Membership fee in addition to the event entry fee. The $10 Day Pass covers the entire day at a venue, regardless of whether multiple events are conducted during the same day. You can choose between these two fees when you register for the event. ETS membership is free and event fees are reduced for competitors 22 years and younger.

The Terrain

The In-Hand Challenge will be conducted in an open, grassy field that is mostly level but may have some gentle undulations. The footing is soft, grass-covered dirt. Shoes or boots are optional.

The Trail Challenge will primarily wind through wooded areas with some hilly and rocky ground. For this event, you may want to consider shoes or boots for your equine partner.

Meals

A hot breakfast ($6) and lunch ($8) will be available for purchase. If you are interested in meals, please add this to your registration for our planning purposes. You will not be charged for meals until you make a purchase at the event. 

Awards

ETS rosette ribbons will be awarded 1st-6th place for each level--Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced! 

New awards for 2019:

• 1st - 3rd place for Juniors (ages 13-17)
• 1st - 3rd place for Youngin' (ages 7-12)
• High Point Newcomer

Points will be accumulated for:

• Battle in the Bluegrass Kentucky Tournament for competitor and horse team
• Mileage Points for all riders and equines
• Placement Points for riders based on bracket ranking
• Ranking Points for riders

There will also be a Spirit of America Contest for riders and their horses since Memorial Day will be just around the corner. A 1st place prize will be awarded for the best decoration/dress.

Additional Fees

A $3.00 fee has been included with your registration for Kentucky's Battle in the Bluegrass buckle tournament to cover the cost of tournament prizes.

Additional Opportunities

KENTUCKY BATTLE IN THE BLUEGRASS BUCKLE TOURNAMENT

The two events at Taylorsville Lake State Park are part of a 2019 ETS tournament, known as Battle in the Bluegrass, being held in Kentucky. Currently, there are at least 8 tournament events scheduled at 4 different locations across the state, with the possibility of more being added. Everyone competing in a Battle in the Bluegrass event is automatically entered in the tournament. The champion in each division (Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced) will receive a tournament buckle. Other prizes will be awarded; specifics are still under development. Points earned at these two events, and other tournament-sponsored events, will accumulate toward your total for the tournament series. Eligible tournament participants consist of the same competitor and same equine team throughout the tournament year. More tournament information to come as details are firmed up.

The Spirit of America Contest

Since these two ETS events happen just a week before Memorial Day, it's the perfect time to show your patriotic spirit! Don't miss out on a fun opportunity to dress yourself and your trusty steed for The Spirit of America contest! Use your imagination--stars and stripes themes; Uncle Sam; WWII period dress; red, white and blue designs--the possibilities are endless! The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony. Please make sure your decorations/dress is safe for you and others around you.